Socializing Your Dog
Socializing your dog is one of the most important things you will do for him/her. Lack of socialization leads to more problems than anything else. Unsocialized dogs are often fearful, aggressive, unpredictable and almost always lack a fulfilling life.
However, socializing dogs is often misunderstood. People think that socializing means meeting dogs and people, and lots of them. I caution people against this and spend my focus on getting my dog into controlled social settings and only meeting select dogs and people. That is people and dogs that I know are going to be safe and a good experience. In the lessons below I will demonstrate that.
Socializing Lessons
- Socializing our dogs means making social settings neutral, not exciting or scary.
- I only ever introduce my dog to people and dogs I know will be a good experience.
- You can spend a lot of time getting your dog socialized "around" other dogs without ever meeting them.
Max’s First Training Day
This is a new series that I’m launching, The Puppy Series. I’ve invited two friends with puppies, about the same…
Socializing a Dominant Reactive Dog in Public
This lesson is about as real world as it can get. Max is my good buddy, Joey’s Akita. We’ve been…
Buster Learns Manners and Social Skills (Jumping on People)
I love these “Join the Lesson” days when I get to work on various things with a new dog. Today…
Socializing Siggy in Town
We’ve been following Siggy (and Max) along for quite some time and I’m so pleased with the progress both of…
Puppy Engagement, Obedience & Distractions Max Day 8
This is Day 8 of Max’s puppy training. I hope you’re enjoying watching the progress of his training. As with…
How Relationship Affects Behavior
I was referred to Doug, and his beautiful Labrador Retriever Carlos, by a good friend. Doug was having problems with…
Building a Relationship in Training – Murrow Day 1
Murrow and Debra came to me because Murrow was acting up around other dogs. We did three sessions together to…
Building a Relationship in Training – Murrow Lesson 2
Hopefully you watched part one of this series where I helped Debra better understand the dynamics of her relationship with…
In Town, Real World Socializing with Carlos Day 2
Socializing a dog is a very misunderstood topic in the world of dog training. So much so that most people…
Proper Socialization with Siggy Day 2
I think that the video lessons on properly socializing your dog in town are among the most important ones I…
Important Takeaways from this page
- You can socialize an older dog, but it's always best to socialize puppies when possible
- When socializing I prefer to teach a neutral experience, rather than an exciting one
- A big mistake is trying to get your dog to meet and greet every dog and person they see
Did you know...
Socializing should mean your dog has no reaction in a social setting, rather than trying to engage every dog / person they see.
The more positive experiences your dog has in a social setting, the better off he will be if something goes wrong.
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